Wednesday:

Kenai Fjord Cruise/Seward/Alaska
We have been looking forward to this cruise since we decided on it about a week ago.  Unfortunately the weather report here in Alaska is a consistent “50s and rain” for the rest of the week.  Before the tour, we were told there were weather warnings and were given the option to reschedule.  We decided to just go ahead today. 

We boarded ship and moved out on the Gulf of Alaska, where we eventually were encountering 10 to 12 foot swells.  A few people were beginning to get seasick and our captain decided, for the safety of the group, to abort the deeper seas around the Cape.  The bottom line is, we didn’t get to see the glaciers, as planned. 

On the positive, we spotted a lot of wild life, but unfortunately clear photos are scarce due to the rainy weather.  Included in the day out was a light lunch on board and a stop at Fox Island for a big buffet that evening.   The buffet was simply moved up to noon, and what an amazing banquet.  They offered all the first class prime rib and salmon you could eat!!   That was a memorable meal.

After we exited the ship and collected a partial refund for the shortened cruise, we drove around downtown Seward in the rain.  We happened by a sign pointing us to Exit Glacier National Park.  It was chilly and drizzly but Stan has wanted to view a glacier up close since we arrived in Seward.  At the visitor center, we realized they offered a mile walk path out to view Exit Glacier and we just couldn’t resist.   Even though we came back a little damp and chilled, it was worth the effort….mission accomplished!